DISCLAIMER:
Sailor Moon is the property of Naoko Takeuchi and other companies. I don't own her (Grrr), and this story is written with the sole purpose of entertainment without any intention of commercial gain. No copyrights infringement is intended. ((Translation: I don't have any money, so please don't sue me, I'm poor!))
What has happened before:
Hey, since this is the final chapter, you should very well know by now what's been going on. And if you don't, then go and read the previous ones, ok?
* = Change of Scene ( ) = Thoughts + + = Computer Responses or Electronic Communications
SILVER TEARS
BY
COMMANDER GALOS
CHAPTER 19: EARTH. THE FINAL CONFLICT.
During the whole travel to earth, the Lucky Star was a beehive of activity. Not a single hand on board was idle; everybody knew deeply inside that this was a no-hand-barred battle, and were ready for what was going to come. The news of the destruction of the battle group and the horrifying way all those poor souls had been transformed ignited a fire in all onboard.
There would be time for memorial ceremonies later. Right now, it was time for war. They were warriors, and there was an enemy to defeat.
That philosophy in particular seemed to be embodied in five girls, two cats and one man. All who observed them walking towards one of the Teleport rooms noticed it. Their expressions serious, their bodies tense but graceful and fluid in their movements, the fire burning in their eyes. Each crewmember that saw them felt at the same time fear and pride. Fear, because they knew at an instinctual level not to get in their way; pride, because they understood that they were on their side.
But what drew their attention was Serena's choice of clothing. For this particular battle, she had decided to use her old fuku, having transformed on the way there. Even more, during her transformation, her hair had grown to its original length, and arranged itself in the two odangoes that were her trademark at the beginning.
When Serena, Tuxedo Kamen, the Senshi and the moon cats arrived at Teleport Room 3, the former wasn't all that surprised at seeing captain Vardeen, Hathaway and Luna-F there as well. What made her almost smile was the felinoid's choice of apparel.
Foregoing her normal swimsuit-type of armor, this time Luna-F was wearing a full battle suit, gray and black. On her forearms were retractable war claws, as well as on her feet. The helmet was crafted like a roaring lion- type, her face seen through the open maw. And on her back was strapped a couple of long swords, twin red ribbons attached to the handles' bottom.
Serena had only seen that kind of armor once in a book Luna-F had shown her back on their days at the Academy. It was a ceremonial gear, only used on special occasions. At first, when she mentioned to have one built for herself, it was as a way for her own defiance against her species' male attitude, since only they could wear those. However, for her to actually have one meant that she took this battle as a matter of honor. Even more, as a way to prove to both her people and herself that she was a true warrior.
As soon as their eyes locked, the felinoid stepped in front of the blonde. Standing tall and proud, she placed her fists together in front of her chest and growled. Serena knew from those same past talks that was the way her people requested to a superior the honor of joining them in honorable battle. Schooling her face into a fierce snarl, Serena repeated the gesture, growling back in acceptance.
With the brief ceremony completed, both relaxed at the same time, smiling faintly at each other.
"To the end. and beyond." Said Luna-F, her voice solemn.
"To the end. and beyond." Repeated Serena.
"Excuse me, but what was that all about?" asked a puzzled Mercury, voicing the same question the rest of the Senshi had in their minds.
"A promise between warriors that have fought together in the past." Responded Hathaway, his expression full of awe at the proceedings. "A promise that goes beyond life and death."
Before any more questions could be asked, captain Vardeen talked. "Ambassador, it goes without saying that you should take care. Good luck, everyone."
"Thank you captain." Said Serena, nodding in his direction. She then addressed her companions. "It's time. Let's go." She then walked to the teleporter's pad, followed by the rest. Once all were in their places, she then addressed the unit's operator. "Take us to the same coordinates I went with Chibi-Usa to retrieve the Luna Ball."
While the operator was busy setting the coordinates, the captain talked once more. "Due to the amount of civilian casualties that would result from an orbital bombardment, we're taking the ship down. Once in position, we'll open fire with everything we can. Ensign Luna, as soon as we start opening fire, turn on your beacon and we'll get you out of the blast zone, is that clear?"
"Crystal, sir!" responded Luna-F.
In that moment the blue light that indicated the beginning of the teleport process surrounded them, and in a moment they were gone. Captain Vardeen and Hathaway remained there for a few more seconds before returning to their posts.
* * * *
Amidst a shower of blue light and sparks, the group materialized in the Tsukino's backyard. Not wasting another second, Serena hurried to the backdoor, quickly followed by the rest.
And it was upon entering the residence that they encountered a sight Serena hoped never to remember.
The interior was in shambles, the living room sporting the broken remains of the furniture. Walking slowly towards the center of the decimated room, the group took a quick look at the kitchen. The area presented the same destroyed characteristics as the living room: a smashed breakfast table and chairs, broken cabinets and a ripped-off stove, the gas no longer escaped due to the city cutting the supply at the beginning of the emergency. Their attention returning once more to the living room area, it was Mars who noticed the next clue of what transpired there.
Kneeling, she quickly grabbed a few scraps of cloth, white with a small piece of lace still attached to it. But the most perturbing feature was the slowly drying blood on it.
Seeing it, Serena closed her fists with enough strength to make her fingers pop. She knew what was that piece of fabric. It was a part of her mother's favorite apron, the one she always wore while she cooked. Memories of times of Ikuko cooking with a smile using that same apron rushed though Serena's mind in a flash, making her even more upset. She didn't react when Tuxedo Kamen placed a hand on her shoulder in a comforting manner. Taking a deep breath and forcing her fists to open, she walked wordlessly to the exit, closely followed by the rest.
But when they exited the house, the scene that presented itself in front of them made their blood boil.
Zombies. The whole street was literally swarming with them. Even more, from some houses barricaded in haste, some zombies that had been able to break the doors and windows were dragging out the unfortunate owners. Amidst a nightmarish cacophony of screams and begs, the transformed crews of the Battle Group began to drain their victims of their life force.
In one single movement, Luna-F unsheathed her swords, assuming a battle stance. At the same time, Serena placed her closed fist in front of her, arms extended. In a fluid motion, she separated them. Between them, a light rod appeared. And with a twist of her wrists, the rod separated in two, immediately assuming the forms of swords made of pure white light. Without turning around, she addressed the Senshi.
"Luna and I will take care of this monsters. You make sure the survivors get out of the area!" and without waiting for an answer, she and the felinoid launched themselves into the throng of zombies, battle cries rending the air.
The Senshi, Tuxedo Kamen and the moon cats took some time to react, but in those brief moments, they were witnesses of a carnage they had never contemplated in their entire lives.
It was a ballet, a dance, a symphony of death. The movements of the two warriors were fluid, precise, beautiful. deadly. In one single movement, Luna-F jumped among a group of zombies that were about to kill a mother protecting her little daughter, her feet's war claws extending and shredding the heads of two zombies during her fall. Her feet hadn't touched the floor for more than half a second when she exploded in a whirlwind of sword slashes and kicks, each strike shredding and mutilating the enemy. In a matter of seconds, the area around her and the rescued was clear, the enemy having been destroyed and turning quickly into dust that was carried by a stray breeze. Risking just a back glance to see if the woman and child were fine, she launched herself into another group.
At the same time, Serena was doing the same thing, her light swords cutting and slashing without apparent effort. More that one zombie tried to grab her, but she was like greased lightning, simply flowing around their limbs and severing them in the same movement. Her eyes were two ice chips, showing no remorse nor doubt, only sheer determination. She was poetry in motion, just like Luna-F, not one single movement wasted.
While the two warriors made short work of the zombies, the Senshi were watching, mouths agape. The moon cats were in the same state of shock, but it was Artemis who recovered first. With a supreme effort, he closed his jaw and looked at the rest. "Well, what are you waiting for?" he exclaimed. "Get the civilians out of here!"
His voice finally shook the Senshi out of their stupor, and immediately went to help the victims saved by Luna-F's and Serena's actions. The sight of the Senshi in the area prompted the people to move, and following their directions made haste to the other side of the battlefield. Once the civilians that could move were out of the area, the Senshi joined the battle, their own phrases joining the battle cries of their fellow warriors.
It took them ten minutes to clear the area of zombies. Ten minutes that seemed like ten centuries for them, but in the end they prevailed. When the last zombie turned to dust, and after checking with her senses that there were no more in the vicinity, Serena dispelled her swords, at the same time Luna-F sheathed hers. Nodding in satisfaction when she could detect nothing else around, she turned her gaze towards the black crystal spire that dominated downtown Tokyo.
With an emotionless voice, she only said. "Lets move." And jumped to the nearest rooftop, making a beeline towards her objective. Without saying a word, the rest did the same, quickly following her, taking the moon cats with them.
But even going via rooftop proved to be a chore, for in some of them were more zombies that tried to capture them. 'Tried' was the operative word, since their efforts were in vain. As soon as they were spotted, the Senshi simply blasted them, not wasting time to check if they destroyed their targets or not; as long as the road was clear for them to reach their goal, they didn't want to waste energy in useless skirmishes.
It took them around twenty minutes to reach the spire, but finally they made it. During the whole journey, they watched helplessly as more souls were 'harvested' and sent to the black spire, but were unable to do a thing. When they finally made it to two city blocks away of the place, Serena addressed her companions.
"The target is Wiseman. I'll face him, and in the meantime, you will locate Chibi-Usa; get her out of there." When Mars and Jupiter were about to retort, she silenced them with a hard stare. "No buts! He wants her, and we have to make sure he doesn't use her! You will take her to safety, then you will join me in battle, is that understood!?" the two Senshi nodded in agreement, albeit reluctantly. She then addressed the two moon cats. "Luna, Artemis, I'm afraid that you would be a liability in there, so I'm going to ask you to remain here." She then took out her own communicator and placed it in front of the black cat. "Luna, as soon as the girls bring Chibi-Usa here, I want you to call the Star; ask them to teleport you two and her onboard and to commence the attack." Turning around to address the others, she added. "As soon as we see the ship approaching, we all will get out of the area, understood?"
The others nodded in agreement.
"All right, let's move everybody!" with that, they all hurried towards their objective.
The two moon cats watched the girls disappear in the distance, the only sounds made by garbage stirred by the wind. Luna-C stared in that direction with a look of pride mixed with worry, remaining silent and immobile for a few moments until Artemis talked to her, breaking her reverie.
"Luna, we better hide and wait for them. Don't worry, they'll succeed, you'll see."
"I know, Artemis. I know." With a heavy sigh, she grabbed the communicator with her mouth and followed Artemis to a nearby overturned garbage bin. They hid inside. and waited.
* * * *
It wasn't long before the group reached the base of the spire. And what they noticed there made them grit their teeth: zombies surrounded the area, more than they had seen previously. The Senshi, Tuxedo Kamen and Luna-F were about to attack when Serena's voice stopped them.
"Wait. Take a good look at them. Do you notice something strange?"
The others did as she said, Mars being the first to talk. "What is there to see? They are blocking our path! I say we blow them and storm the place!" Jupiter and Venus agreed with her with a nod.
"No, she's right." said Mercury, activating her visor. "They already know we're here, but they're not moving to attack. They are. waiting."
"For us to arrive." Said Serena, tensing. "Ok everyone, let's go. Don't make any sudden moves, but stay alert!" with that, she began to slowly walk towards the zombies, closely followed by the rest. And to their amazement, the wall of animated corpses opened to allow them passage. It was enormously unnerving to them, to watch those black pools staring at them, their postures indicting a hunger that said 'I'll tear your flesh off your body, and devour your soul'.
Finally, they arrived at the very base of a long, winding staircase made of pure black crystal, leading all the way to the top. With a sharp head movement, Serena indicated the rest to follow her. In silence, they began the climb, each tense and ready for anything. Behind them, the zombies closed ranks, sealing the small passage they crossed.
After two minutes, they finally reached the top of the spire.
The area was flat, a polished surface of black crystal. Six small columns surrounded a circle engraved in the surface, with Wiseman floating at one side. Above the circle, the Dark Crystal also floated, slowly rotating. And right in the middle of the circle and under the crystal, was Chibi-Usa. She was inside a shaft of dark light, her small body floating in mid air. Arms extended to the sides, her face turned upwards. Upon approach, the group noticed more details.
When an orb reached the top of the spire, it immediately was gathered by one of the columns. Then, rolling down it, it entered the circle in Chibi- Usa's direction; once inside the dark light shaft, it 'rolled' all over the little girl, at the same time small dark lightning bolts emerged from it. Said bolts seemed to caress her robe-covered body, going all over her until finally they entered through her forehead. With that done, the orb simply vanished in a shower of light specks. When the energy inside her body reached a certain amount, small bolts of dark lightning emerged from her hands, which were immediately absorbed by the Dark Crystal.
It took around twenty harvested souls to complete one cycle.
While they watched the whole process in horrified fascination, Wiseman addressed them. "Aaaah, finally you arrive. I expected you all sooner, but it doesn't matter now. A beautiful sight, isn't it? Too bad it has to be done at this maddeningly slow pace, but I don't want to destroy my little tool so soon."
Breaking out of her stupor, Serena turned around and looked straight at Wiseman, her eyes full of fury and determination. "Let her go, you monster! She is not a tool, she is a living, breathing human being!"
"Do you really think we'll stand idle while you destroy the Multiverse? The Agency and the Universal Alliance will stop you!" Added Luna-F unsheathing her swords and assuming a battle stance.
"So, you have learned of my ultimate goal, it seems." Mussed Wiseman, unfazed by their worlds. "Tell me, what else have you been told? That I am one of the First Ones? That I plan to redo the Multiverse at my own image?"
"We've been told enough to stop you, you beast!" growled Tuxedo Kamen, summoning a rose and preparing to toss it towards their enemy.
"You don't stand a chance against the Ginzuishou!" said Jupiter, preparing her attack.
"The Ginzuishou?" Wiseman mused a moment before responding. "Aaaah, yes. That little toy. Interesting artifact, one of my best works, I have to say." He then moved is hands on top of his orb in a different fashion. And to the amazement of everybody, a small silver crystal appeared in front of him. Serena immediately summoned hers, as if to confirm that it was still inside her sub-space pocket. When it appeared at her command, she looked at it, then at the one floating in front of Wiseman, puzzled.
Seeing that, Wiseman's voice took a playful tone. "It seems that you haven't been told all the facts. I found this one inside the little one. When I cleaned her memories, I found one interesting fact: it was her who facilitated the attack of the Black Moon Family. and all thanks to your future selves."
"You are lying!" exclaimed Mars, outraged.
"And why should I? It seems that in the future, you all berated her for not growing up, for not being 'mature enough', I think were your words. It was a fascinating study comparing your harsh attitude with what you always told your leader, Mars. Same words, different targets. Tell me, do you enjoy diminishing your leaders? Lowering their defenses? Destroying their self- confidence? Too bad you aren't adequate for my plans, you would have made a wonderful tool with that attitude."
Mars didn't respond to it, too shocked by the revelation. And the most horrible thing was that, according to her senses, Wiseman was telling them the absolute truth! "No. it's a lie." She finally muttered.
"Believe what you want. It was all registered in the girl and the Ginzuishou." Answered Wiseman, almost jokingly. With a mental command, he sent the future crystal to Serena's hands, who grabbed it by reflex. "You can keep it, I have no use for it."
Focusing her senses on it, Serena commanded it to reveal the truth stored inside it. And to her surprise, she saw that what Wiseman had said was the truth. everything was there, and apparently there had been no tampering in the stored memories.
After giving the others a harsh glare, Luna-F jumped into action. Running at full speed, she headed towards the floating Chibi-Usa, her intent clear: get her away from there. However, as soon as her claws touched the dark light, an immense discharge of negative energy hit her, sending her back almost over the spire's edge. It happened so fast that she didn't even have time to roar in pain.
"LUNA!"
In an eye blink, Serena was next to her friend, checking her. When the felinoid groaned and tried to stand up, she addressed Wiseman. "What did you do to her??"
"Absolutely nothing." Answered Wiseman, smugly. "She is not attuned to the Crystal's energies, so they simply rejected her. None of you are, so anything you try won't work. Go ahead, I dare you to free her. I won't interfere."
After helping Luna-F to her feet and sparing a cautious glance at Wiseman, Serena looked at the Senshi, who nodded to her. Without another word, they released their attacks at the dark light column.
. Only to watch as the energy of their attacks was contained on the surface, then directed to Chibi-Usa's forehead and absorbed. An instant later, a huge amount of dark energy was sent and assimilated by the Dark Crystal.
"Impossible!" exclaimed Mercury, summoning her computer and visor, beginning to analyze the phenomena.
"It is far from impossible." Said Wiseman, undeterred by what had happened. "She is the perfect converting tool due to her origins and transformation. Her light side can assimilate your positive energy, while her dark side converts it to negative energy that she can manipulate. One of my best works, if I say so, don't you think?"
Moving his hands in a complex pattern, he added. "And now, the final step."
* * * *
At the Time Gates, Syl watched fascinated as Pluto's body healed at an extremely accelerated rate. Not only that, when she was sufficiently cured, she summoned another fuku, once more becoming immaculately dressed. During the whole time, the both of them exchanged little stories, making small talk. Syl learned of her years of isolation and solitude, watching events transpire through the Time Gates, while Pluto learned of the highlights of his life at the service of the Agency.
Syl was in the middle of retelling his story with Serena and Luna-F when all of a sudden, the Gates opened by themselves, emitting a blinding white light and forcing them to close their eyes. Pluto immediately stood up, her Time Key at the ready with the Garnet Orb glowing a furious crimson, promptly followed by Syl holding his plasma gun and releasing the safety.
"Oh, now what?" muttered Syl. And as in answer to his question, the Gates showed an image. one that sent a chill down his spine.
"Wiseman." Growled Pluto through clenched teeth.
"Pluto." Answered Wiseman, his voice echoing through the emptiness surrounding the Gate. "I see you finally found company. Not much, but better than nothing."
"Cut the crap, Wiseman." Said Syl, aiming his gun towards the Gate." What are you doing here?"
"Collecting what's mine by right, weakling!" With those words, a huge energy surge erupted from the Time Gates, the backlash sending Syl to the 'floor'. When he regained his bearings, he watched in horrified fascination as black and white lightning bolts began to hit Pluto, her eyes wide open and her mouth frozen in a silent scream.
"LET HER GO!!!" He screamed, at the same time opening fire. However, all his shots only rebounded, deflected by a force field surrounding the Gates. "DAMMIT!!"
"Fool". Sneered Wiseman, his voice gaining a mocking quality. "I am the creator of the Time Gates, and she is nothing but a puppet. Once she is under my control, I will finally gain full command of Time itself!"
"Not during my watch, bastard." Muttered Syl. Dropping his now empty plasma rifle, he desperately looked around for. something, anything that could help him. After a couple of moments, he noticed one detail: Pluto wasn't holding her Time Key! In a desperate move, he dived under the barrage of lightning towards her feet in an attempt to find the missing artifact. Fortunately, it had fallen to the side, right under the end of the attack. Once in his hands, he moved aside, Time Key hold tightly.
Half closing his eyes, he focused his attention to the Gates, trying to discern anything. Finally, he noticed. Hidden under the lightning's glare, an orifice that resembled a keyhole was seen between bolts. Wondering for a moment why a keyhole existed in the frame of a door instead of the door itself, he ran in the Gates' direction, an idea forming in his mind. With a primal scream, Syl raised the Key. and inserted it.
The results were instantaneous.
The barrage assaulting Pluto changed targets, releasing her, the Senshi of Time dropping to her knees, exhausted. Instead, the bolts hit the Time Key, thus striking Syl. His armor's systems exploded in a shower of bright electric sparks, while some plates melted on top of his body. His body locking, he screamed in primal pain, almost blacking out because of the pain inflicted. With a final effort, he leaned on the Key, and using his own body weight, he turned it clockwise one quarter before dropping to his knees.
The Gates slowly began to close, the lightning bolts lessening in number but not in strength. Finally, with a thundering noise that reverberated in the misty expanse, they shut closed, cutting Wiseman's screams of denial.
Thanks to her magic, Pluto recovered in a matter of minutes. Blinking to clear her sight, she looked in the Gates' direction, her fogged mind registering the fact that they were closed. Once the buzzing in her ears subsided, she heard the pain-filled moans of Syl. Standing on wobbly legs, she made her way in his direction: only her time expended watching horrors through the ages steeled her in order to not lose her lunch at the sight.
Syl was a sorry sight. His faceplate was gone, and the face was a mass of charred, blackened flesh. His left hand was nothing but a black lump of carbonized flesh and melted metal; parts of his armor on the chest and abdomen were gone, revealing the burnt and bleeding flesh underneath it. The boots on both feet were melted, the hot metal taking his feet with them. All in all, it was obvious that, if he didn't get medical help soon, he would die.
Pluto was about to grab her key when a moan from the burnt man grabbed his attention. "What?"
"No.don't. leave. it." Muttered Syl with great effort. "He'll. return. other. wise."
"You need help! You'll die if I don't take you to your people!" She almost screamed, feeling impotent. She knew he was right, but wasn't going to have him die on her!
"Worth. it." He whispered.
Leaving the Time Key in its place, she moved to his side, kneeling next to him and carefully placing a hand on his left shoulder, careful not to put pressure on it. "Why did you do it? Why did you risk your life to save me?"
"Right. thing. to do." He answered, his breathing becoming more laborious with each word. With an effort, he looked into her eyes. "Don't. cry. for me. I. did. my. job." He then tried to smile, the effort cracking his burnt lips and releasing some blood. "Trust. Sere. We'll. win. And. be. happy." With those last words, he closed his eyes and sighed, entering in a coma.
And Sailor Pluto, Guardian of the Time Gates, the Senshi of Time. wept for him.
* * * *
Wiseman trembled in fury, gritting his teeth in frustration. (How can this be?! A worthless bug foiled me! Intolerable!) He repeated his hands' movements, but there was no use. With the Gates closed and locked with the Time Key, not even his best attempts could open them again. A growl emanated deep from his chest and turned to see the Senshi. During his attempt to seize control of the Gates, the Senshi kept trying to blast their way through the Dark Crystal's shield surrounding Chibi-Usa, with no effect whatsoever besides charging the Crystal even more.
"You." Said Wiseman, drawing the Senshi's attention to him. "You won't stop me. I have waited long enough for this moment to arrive, and no miserable worms will stop me from achieving my goals!"
Without warning a veritable storm of black lightning erupted from the Black Crystal, hitting each and every one of the Senshi. Their screams of pain and agony were music for his ears. However, something nagged him at the back of his mind. Something was wrong with the picture. Taking a closer look, Wiseman observed every detail of the scene.
Yes, there was Serenity's brat, caught by surprise by his lightning strike, as well as the rest of the Senshi and Tuxedo Kamen. All of them were writhing in pain under his assault, unable to strike back. And yes, there was Chibi-Usa, unaffected and still transforming harvested souls into dark power. So, what was wrong? Victory was at hand, however he felt something was missing.
The answer came abruptly and from behind.
Recovering from her ill-attempt to rescue Chibi-Usa, Luna-F remained sprawled when she landed. She couldn't help but feel proud of her friend Serena when she began to slam at the shield surrounding the little girl with all she had. Even more, she was amazed at the amount of power being poured in the attempt by the rest. And yes, even the veritable nursery of roses Tuxedo Kamen was launching as well. But despair quickly filled her when said attempts didn't make a dent on the shield.
(Damn it! What does it take to break that nut's shell??) She thought. Narrowing her eyes to compensate from the glare of the attacks, she watched Wiseman intently. The first thing she noticed was that he was concentrated watching something on that weird crystal ball of his. (Wait a minute. concentrated? That means distracted!) Immediately, a plan began to take shape.
The felinoid was painfully aware that physical, frontal attacks were useless in this kind of battle. She was a great warrior in hand-to-hand melee, but magic was way out of her league. But that didn't mean she was completely useless.
With all the stealth she was capable of, she began to make her way around the platform, hiding behind the pillars when she reached them; not to mention avoiding touching them. Just close proximity caused her to feel as if something was trying to suck the life out of her body. Finally, she reached her objective: a pillar right behind Wiseman. With great care, she unsheathed her swords, and waited. She didn't wait long. When Wiseman began to address the Senshi, she risked a peek behind the pillar. She had to bit her lips to stop the growl that risked coming out when Wiseman began his attack at her friend. Keeping focused, she waited for her chance to strike. And when she saw Wiseman lean forward as if looking for something, she knew her time had come.
Without a noise, Luna-F leaped into the air, right sword straight forward, left sword raised above her head. Snarling with glee, the felinoid noticed that Wiseman hadn't noticed her movements. Focusing, she left inertia and her training take charge.
The trajectory of her jump was perfect. Her aim, exquisite. Without resistance, her first sword pierced Wiseman's torso right down to the hilt. And before her feet touched the ground, she moved her torso slightly to the right, adding more force to the movement of her other sword. The embedded sword retracted a little from Wiseman's torso, but by then it didn't matter. Luna-F's second movement became a decapitating strike.
Wiseman's head rolled to the side, while his body collapsed in a flurry of robes.
The moment Wiseman was decapitated, the attack on the Senshi stopped, causing all of them to drop to the floor, exhausted by the ordeal. At the same time, the shield surrounding Chibi-Usa collapsed, as well as the force keeping her suspended in mid-air.
Panting a little from the exertion, Luna-F watched as the glow in Wiseman's eyes began to subside. Before it was completely gone, she couldn't help but mutter while she sheathed her blades. "Burn in Hell, you bastard."
Walking towards Serena, the felinoid took her communicator out of its compartment. It was slightly charred, but still functional. Opening the screen, she began. "Ensign Luna to Lucky Star. Come in, please."
+ Lucky Star here, come in, Ensign. + Luna-F grinned when the voice of Captain Vardeen answered her.
"Star, Mission Accomplished. Wiseman is dead, and the girl has been rescued. We need EVAC now, and prepare the medical ward. We're all a little banged up here."
+ Acknowledge, Ensign. There is a lot of interference in your area, so teleport is down. We're sending a shuttle to pick everyone up. Good job, everyone. We'll see you when you return. Star, out. +
Closing the communicator, Luna-F sighed and went to Serena's side to wake her up. She was so focused on her friend, and the rest were still trying to recover, that nobody noticed when a black mist emerged from Wiseman's remains and was promptly absorbed by the Black Crystal.
"Hey, wake up sleepy head." Said Luna-F while gently shaking Serena by the shoulder. "Time to wake up." In response Serena only muttered and curled a little more tightly. Sighing, the felinoid tried again. "Come on, Serena. There's still work to do here."
"G'way. Tired." Muttered Serena in her sleep. Sighing, Luna-F tried one more thing, something that always worked on their days at the Academy.
""Ok, then I'm throwing your breakfast down the trash processor. A pity, throwing away the pancakes." THAT got results.
"NO, WAIT! PANCAKES!!! Owwww, my head!" Rubbing her aching temples, Serena took stock of her surroundings, memories quickly returning. Looking at one spot, she addressed Luna-F "Look after the others, I'll be right back." Without waiting for a reply, she rapidly stood up and headed towards the spot Chibi-Usa was lying down.
Kneeling next to the small girl, Serena took her gently in her arms, placing her in her lap. Caressing the girl's cheek with her left hand, she noticed with satisfaction that the sickly yellowish tint on the girl's skin was fading, being replaced with a healthier pink hue.
Sailor Moon is the property of Naoko Takeuchi and other companies. I don't own her (Grrr), and this story is written with the sole purpose of entertainment without any intention of commercial gain. No copyrights infringement is intended. ((Translation: I don't have any money, so please don't sue me, I'm poor!))
What has happened before:
Hey, since this is the final chapter, you should very well know by now what's been going on. And if you don't, then go and read the previous ones, ok?
* = Change of Scene ( ) = Thoughts + + = Computer Responses or Electronic Communications
SILVER TEARS
BY
COMMANDER GALOS
CHAPTER 19: EARTH. THE FINAL CONFLICT.
During the whole travel to earth, the Lucky Star was a beehive of activity. Not a single hand on board was idle; everybody knew deeply inside that this was a no-hand-barred battle, and were ready for what was going to come. The news of the destruction of the battle group and the horrifying way all those poor souls had been transformed ignited a fire in all onboard.
There would be time for memorial ceremonies later. Right now, it was time for war. They were warriors, and there was an enemy to defeat.
That philosophy in particular seemed to be embodied in five girls, two cats and one man. All who observed them walking towards one of the Teleport rooms noticed it. Their expressions serious, their bodies tense but graceful and fluid in their movements, the fire burning in their eyes. Each crewmember that saw them felt at the same time fear and pride. Fear, because they knew at an instinctual level not to get in their way; pride, because they understood that they were on their side.
But what drew their attention was Serena's choice of clothing. For this particular battle, she had decided to use her old fuku, having transformed on the way there. Even more, during her transformation, her hair had grown to its original length, and arranged itself in the two odangoes that were her trademark at the beginning.
When Serena, Tuxedo Kamen, the Senshi and the moon cats arrived at Teleport Room 3, the former wasn't all that surprised at seeing captain Vardeen, Hathaway and Luna-F there as well. What made her almost smile was the felinoid's choice of apparel.
Foregoing her normal swimsuit-type of armor, this time Luna-F was wearing a full battle suit, gray and black. On her forearms were retractable war claws, as well as on her feet. The helmet was crafted like a roaring lion- type, her face seen through the open maw. And on her back was strapped a couple of long swords, twin red ribbons attached to the handles' bottom.
Serena had only seen that kind of armor once in a book Luna-F had shown her back on their days at the Academy. It was a ceremonial gear, only used on special occasions. At first, when she mentioned to have one built for herself, it was as a way for her own defiance against her species' male attitude, since only they could wear those. However, for her to actually have one meant that she took this battle as a matter of honor. Even more, as a way to prove to both her people and herself that she was a true warrior.
As soon as their eyes locked, the felinoid stepped in front of the blonde. Standing tall and proud, she placed her fists together in front of her chest and growled. Serena knew from those same past talks that was the way her people requested to a superior the honor of joining them in honorable battle. Schooling her face into a fierce snarl, Serena repeated the gesture, growling back in acceptance.
With the brief ceremony completed, both relaxed at the same time, smiling faintly at each other.
"To the end. and beyond." Said Luna-F, her voice solemn.
"To the end. and beyond." Repeated Serena.
"Excuse me, but what was that all about?" asked a puzzled Mercury, voicing the same question the rest of the Senshi had in their minds.
"A promise between warriors that have fought together in the past." Responded Hathaway, his expression full of awe at the proceedings. "A promise that goes beyond life and death."
Before any more questions could be asked, captain Vardeen talked. "Ambassador, it goes without saying that you should take care. Good luck, everyone."
"Thank you captain." Said Serena, nodding in his direction. She then addressed her companions. "It's time. Let's go." She then walked to the teleporter's pad, followed by the rest. Once all were in their places, she then addressed the unit's operator. "Take us to the same coordinates I went with Chibi-Usa to retrieve the Luna Ball."
While the operator was busy setting the coordinates, the captain talked once more. "Due to the amount of civilian casualties that would result from an orbital bombardment, we're taking the ship down. Once in position, we'll open fire with everything we can. Ensign Luna, as soon as we start opening fire, turn on your beacon and we'll get you out of the blast zone, is that clear?"
"Crystal, sir!" responded Luna-F.
In that moment the blue light that indicated the beginning of the teleport process surrounded them, and in a moment they were gone. Captain Vardeen and Hathaway remained there for a few more seconds before returning to their posts.
* * * *
Amidst a shower of blue light and sparks, the group materialized in the Tsukino's backyard. Not wasting another second, Serena hurried to the backdoor, quickly followed by the rest.
And it was upon entering the residence that they encountered a sight Serena hoped never to remember.
The interior was in shambles, the living room sporting the broken remains of the furniture. Walking slowly towards the center of the decimated room, the group took a quick look at the kitchen. The area presented the same destroyed characteristics as the living room: a smashed breakfast table and chairs, broken cabinets and a ripped-off stove, the gas no longer escaped due to the city cutting the supply at the beginning of the emergency. Their attention returning once more to the living room area, it was Mars who noticed the next clue of what transpired there.
Kneeling, she quickly grabbed a few scraps of cloth, white with a small piece of lace still attached to it. But the most perturbing feature was the slowly drying blood on it.
Seeing it, Serena closed her fists with enough strength to make her fingers pop. She knew what was that piece of fabric. It was a part of her mother's favorite apron, the one she always wore while she cooked. Memories of times of Ikuko cooking with a smile using that same apron rushed though Serena's mind in a flash, making her even more upset. She didn't react when Tuxedo Kamen placed a hand on her shoulder in a comforting manner. Taking a deep breath and forcing her fists to open, she walked wordlessly to the exit, closely followed by the rest.
But when they exited the house, the scene that presented itself in front of them made their blood boil.
Zombies. The whole street was literally swarming with them. Even more, from some houses barricaded in haste, some zombies that had been able to break the doors and windows were dragging out the unfortunate owners. Amidst a nightmarish cacophony of screams and begs, the transformed crews of the Battle Group began to drain their victims of their life force.
In one single movement, Luna-F unsheathed her swords, assuming a battle stance. At the same time, Serena placed her closed fist in front of her, arms extended. In a fluid motion, she separated them. Between them, a light rod appeared. And with a twist of her wrists, the rod separated in two, immediately assuming the forms of swords made of pure white light. Without turning around, she addressed the Senshi.
"Luna and I will take care of this monsters. You make sure the survivors get out of the area!" and without waiting for an answer, she and the felinoid launched themselves into the throng of zombies, battle cries rending the air.
The Senshi, Tuxedo Kamen and the moon cats took some time to react, but in those brief moments, they were witnesses of a carnage they had never contemplated in their entire lives.
It was a ballet, a dance, a symphony of death. The movements of the two warriors were fluid, precise, beautiful. deadly. In one single movement, Luna-F jumped among a group of zombies that were about to kill a mother protecting her little daughter, her feet's war claws extending and shredding the heads of two zombies during her fall. Her feet hadn't touched the floor for more than half a second when she exploded in a whirlwind of sword slashes and kicks, each strike shredding and mutilating the enemy. In a matter of seconds, the area around her and the rescued was clear, the enemy having been destroyed and turning quickly into dust that was carried by a stray breeze. Risking just a back glance to see if the woman and child were fine, she launched herself into another group.
At the same time, Serena was doing the same thing, her light swords cutting and slashing without apparent effort. More that one zombie tried to grab her, but she was like greased lightning, simply flowing around their limbs and severing them in the same movement. Her eyes were two ice chips, showing no remorse nor doubt, only sheer determination. She was poetry in motion, just like Luna-F, not one single movement wasted.
While the two warriors made short work of the zombies, the Senshi were watching, mouths agape. The moon cats were in the same state of shock, but it was Artemis who recovered first. With a supreme effort, he closed his jaw and looked at the rest. "Well, what are you waiting for?" he exclaimed. "Get the civilians out of here!"
His voice finally shook the Senshi out of their stupor, and immediately went to help the victims saved by Luna-F's and Serena's actions. The sight of the Senshi in the area prompted the people to move, and following their directions made haste to the other side of the battlefield. Once the civilians that could move were out of the area, the Senshi joined the battle, their own phrases joining the battle cries of their fellow warriors.
It took them ten minutes to clear the area of zombies. Ten minutes that seemed like ten centuries for them, but in the end they prevailed. When the last zombie turned to dust, and after checking with her senses that there were no more in the vicinity, Serena dispelled her swords, at the same time Luna-F sheathed hers. Nodding in satisfaction when she could detect nothing else around, she turned her gaze towards the black crystal spire that dominated downtown Tokyo.
With an emotionless voice, she only said. "Lets move." And jumped to the nearest rooftop, making a beeline towards her objective. Without saying a word, the rest did the same, quickly following her, taking the moon cats with them.
But even going via rooftop proved to be a chore, for in some of them were more zombies that tried to capture them. 'Tried' was the operative word, since their efforts were in vain. As soon as they were spotted, the Senshi simply blasted them, not wasting time to check if they destroyed their targets or not; as long as the road was clear for them to reach their goal, they didn't want to waste energy in useless skirmishes.
It took them around twenty minutes to reach the spire, but finally they made it. During the whole journey, they watched helplessly as more souls were 'harvested' and sent to the black spire, but were unable to do a thing. When they finally made it to two city blocks away of the place, Serena addressed her companions.
"The target is Wiseman. I'll face him, and in the meantime, you will locate Chibi-Usa; get her out of there." When Mars and Jupiter were about to retort, she silenced them with a hard stare. "No buts! He wants her, and we have to make sure he doesn't use her! You will take her to safety, then you will join me in battle, is that understood!?" the two Senshi nodded in agreement, albeit reluctantly. She then addressed the two moon cats. "Luna, Artemis, I'm afraid that you would be a liability in there, so I'm going to ask you to remain here." She then took out her own communicator and placed it in front of the black cat. "Luna, as soon as the girls bring Chibi-Usa here, I want you to call the Star; ask them to teleport you two and her onboard and to commence the attack." Turning around to address the others, she added. "As soon as we see the ship approaching, we all will get out of the area, understood?"
The others nodded in agreement.
"All right, let's move everybody!" with that, they all hurried towards their objective.
The two moon cats watched the girls disappear in the distance, the only sounds made by garbage stirred by the wind. Luna-C stared in that direction with a look of pride mixed with worry, remaining silent and immobile for a few moments until Artemis talked to her, breaking her reverie.
"Luna, we better hide and wait for them. Don't worry, they'll succeed, you'll see."
"I know, Artemis. I know." With a heavy sigh, she grabbed the communicator with her mouth and followed Artemis to a nearby overturned garbage bin. They hid inside. and waited.
* * * *
It wasn't long before the group reached the base of the spire. And what they noticed there made them grit their teeth: zombies surrounded the area, more than they had seen previously. The Senshi, Tuxedo Kamen and Luna-F were about to attack when Serena's voice stopped them.
"Wait. Take a good look at them. Do you notice something strange?"
The others did as she said, Mars being the first to talk. "What is there to see? They are blocking our path! I say we blow them and storm the place!" Jupiter and Venus agreed with her with a nod.
"No, she's right." said Mercury, activating her visor. "They already know we're here, but they're not moving to attack. They are. waiting."
"For us to arrive." Said Serena, tensing. "Ok everyone, let's go. Don't make any sudden moves, but stay alert!" with that, she began to slowly walk towards the zombies, closely followed by the rest. And to their amazement, the wall of animated corpses opened to allow them passage. It was enormously unnerving to them, to watch those black pools staring at them, their postures indicting a hunger that said 'I'll tear your flesh off your body, and devour your soul'.
Finally, they arrived at the very base of a long, winding staircase made of pure black crystal, leading all the way to the top. With a sharp head movement, Serena indicated the rest to follow her. In silence, they began the climb, each tense and ready for anything. Behind them, the zombies closed ranks, sealing the small passage they crossed.
After two minutes, they finally reached the top of the spire.
The area was flat, a polished surface of black crystal. Six small columns surrounded a circle engraved in the surface, with Wiseman floating at one side. Above the circle, the Dark Crystal also floated, slowly rotating. And right in the middle of the circle and under the crystal, was Chibi-Usa. She was inside a shaft of dark light, her small body floating in mid air. Arms extended to the sides, her face turned upwards. Upon approach, the group noticed more details.
When an orb reached the top of the spire, it immediately was gathered by one of the columns. Then, rolling down it, it entered the circle in Chibi- Usa's direction; once inside the dark light shaft, it 'rolled' all over the little girl, at the same time small dark lightning bolts emerged from it. Said bolts seemed to caress her robe-covered body, going all over her until finally they entered through her forehead. With that done, the orb simply vanished in a shower of light specks. When the energy inside her body reached a certain amount, small bolts of dark lightning emerged from her hands, which were immediately absorbed by the Dark Crystal.
It took around twenty harvested souls to complete one cycle.
While they watched the whole process in horrified fascination, Wiseman addressed them. "Aaaah, finally you arrive. I expected you all sooner, but it doesn't matter now. A beautiful sight, isn't it? Too bad it has to be done at this maddeningly slow pace, but I don't want to destroy my little tool so soon."
Breaking out of her stupor, Serena turned around and looked straight at Wiseman, her eyes full of fury and determination. "Let her go, you monster! She is not a tool, she is a living, breathing human being!"
"Do you really think we'll stand idle while you destroy the Multiverse? The Agency and the Universal Alliance will stop you!" Added Luna-F unsheathing her swords and assuming a battle stance.
"So, you have learned of my ultimate goal, it seems." Mussed Wiseman, unfazed by their worlds. "Tell me, what else have you been told? That I am one of the First Ones? That I plan to redo the Multiverse at my own image?"
"We've been told enough to stop you, you beast!" growled Tuxedo Kamen, summoning a rose and preparing to toss it towards their enemy.
"You don't stand a chance against the Ginzuishou!" said Jupiter, preparing her attack.
"The Ginzuishou?" Wiseman mused a moment before responding. "Aaaah, yes. That little toy. Interesting artifact, one of my best works, I have to say." He then moved is hands on top of his orb in a different fashion. And to the amazement of everybody, a small silver crystal appeared in front of him. Serena immediately summoned hers, as if to confirm that it was still inside her sub-space pocket. When it appeared at her command, she looked at it, then at the one floating in front of Wiseman, puzzled.
Seeing that, Wiseman's voice took a playful tone. "It seems that you haven't been told all the facts. I found this one inside the little one. When I cleaned her memories, I found one interesting fact: it was her who facilitated the attack of the Black Moon Family. and all thanks to your future selves."
"You are lying!" exclaimed Mars, outraged.
"And why should I? It seems that in the future, you all berated her for not growing up, for not being 'mature enough', I think were your words. It was a fascinating study comparing your harsh attitude with what you always told your leader, Mars. Same words, different targets. Tell me, do you enjoy diminishing your leaders? Lowering their defenses? Destroying their self- confidence? Too bad you aren't adequate for my plans, you would have made a wonderful tool with that attitude."
Mars didn't respond to it, too shocked by the revelation. And the most horrible thing was that, according to her senses, Wiseman was telling them the absolute truth! "No. it's a lie." She finally muttered.
"Believe what you want. It was all registered in the girl and the Ginzuishou." Answered Wiseman, almost jokingly. With a mental command, he sent the future crystal to Serena's hands, who grabbed it by reflex. "You can keep it, I have no use for it."
Focusing her senses on it, Serena commanded it to reveal the truth stored inside it. And to her surprise, she saw that what Wiseman had said was the truth. everything was there, and apparently there had been no tampering in the stored memories.
After giving the others a harsh glare, Luna-F jumped into action. Running at full speed, she headed towards the floating Chibi-Usa, her intent clear: get her away from there. However, as soon as her claws touched the dark light, an immense discharge of negative energy hit her, sending her back almost over the spire's edge. It happened so fast that she didn't even have time to roar in pain.
"LUNA!"
In an eye blink, Serena was next to her friend, checking her. When the felinoid groaned and tried to stand up, she addressed Wiseman. "What did you do to her??"
"Absolutely nothing." Answered Wiseman, smugly. "She is not attuned to the Crystal's energies, so they simply rejected her. None of you are, so anything you try won't work. Go ahead, I dare you to free her. I won't interfere."
After helping Luna-F to her feet and sparing a cautious glance at Wiseman, Serena looked at the Senshi, who nodded to her. Without another word, they released their attacks at the dark light column.
. Only to watch as the energy of their attacks was contained on the surface, then directed to Chibi-Usa's forehead and absorbed. An instant later, a huge amount of dark energy was sent and assimilated by the Dark Crystal.
"Impossible!" exclaimed Mercury, summoning her computer and visor, beginning to analyze the phenomena.
"It is far from impossible." Said Wiseman, undeterred by what had happened. "She is the perfect converting tool due to her origins and transformation. Her light side can assimilate your positive energy, while her dark side converts it to negative energy that she can manipulate. One of my best works, if I say so, don't you think?"
Moving his hands in a complex pattern, he added. "And now, the final step."
* * * *
At the Time Gates, Syl watched fascinated as Pluto's body healed at an extremely accelerated rate. Not only that, when she was sufficiently cured, she summoned another fuku, once more becoming immaculately dressed. During the whole time, the both of them exchanged little stories, making small talk. Syl learned of her years of isolation and solitude, watching events transpire through the Time Gates, while Pluto learned of the highlights of his life at the service of the Agency.
Syl was in the middle of retelling his story with Serena and Luna-F when all of a sudden, the Gates opened by themselves, emitting a blinding white light and forcing them to close their eyes. Pluto immediately stood up, her Time Key at the ready with the Garnet Orb glowing a furious crimson, promptly followed by Syl holding his plasma gun and releasing the safety.
"Oh, now what?" muttered Syl. And as in answer to his question, the Gates showed an image. one that sent a chill down his spine.
"Wiseman." Growled Pluto through clenched teeth.
"Pluto." Answered Wiseman, his voice echoing through the emptiness surrounding the Gate. "I see you finally found company. Not much, but better than nothing."
"Cut the crap, Wiseman." Said Syl, aiming his gun towards the Gate." What are you doing here?"
"Collecting what's mine by right, weakling!" With those words, a huge energy surge erupted from the Time Gates, the backlash sending Syl to the 'floor'. When he regained his bearings, he watched in horrified fascination as black and white lightning bolts began to hit Pluto, her eyes wide open and her mouth frozen in a silent scream.
"LET HER GO!!!" He screamed, at the same time opening fire. However, all his shots only rebounded, deflected by a force field surrounding the Gates. "DAMMIT!!"
"Fool". Sneered Wiseman, his voice gaining a mocking quality. "I am the creator of the Time Gates, and she is nothing but a puppet. Once she is under my control, I will finally gain full command of Time itself!"
"Not during my watch, bastard." Muttered Syl. Dropping his now empty plasma rifle, he desperately looked around for. something, anything that could help him. After a couple of moments, he noticed one detail: Pluto wasn't holding her Time Key! In a desperate move, he dived under the barrage of lightning towards her feet in an attempt to find the missing artifact. Fortunately, it had fallen to the side, right under the end of the attack. Once in his hands, he moved aside, Time Key hold tightly.
Half closing his eyes, he focused his attention to the Gates, trying to discern anything. Finally, he noticed. Hidden under the lightning's glare, an orifice that resembled a keyhole was seen between bolts. Wondering for a moment why a keyhole existed in the frame of a door instead of the door itself, he ran in the Gates' direction, an idea forming in his mind. With a primal scream, Syl raised the Key. and inserted it.
The results were instantaneous.
The barrage assaulting Pluto changed targets, releasing her, the Senshi of Time dropping to her knees, exhausted. Instead, the bolts hit the Time Key, thus striking Syl. His armor's systems exploded in a shower of bright electric sparks, while some plates melted on top of his body. His body locking, he screamed in primal pain, almost blacking out because of the pain inflicted. With a final effort, he leaned on the Key, and using his own body weight, he turned it clockwise one quarter before dropping to his knees.
The Gates slowly began to close, the lightning bolts lessening in number but not in strength. Finally, with a thundering noise that reverberated in the misty expanse, they shut closed, cutting Wiseman's screams of denial.
Thanks to her magic, Pluto recovered in a matter of minutes. Blinking to clear her sight, she looked in the Gates' direction, her fogged mind registering the fact that they were closed. Once the buzzing in her ears subsided, she heard the pain-filled moans of Syl. Standing on wobbly legs, she made her way in his direction: only her time expended watching horrors through the ages steeled her in order to not lose her lunch at the sight.
Syl was a sorry sight. His faceplate was gone, and the face was a mass of charred, blackened flesh. His left hand was nothing but a black lump of carbonized flesh and melted metal; parts of his armor on the chest and abdomen were gone, revealing the burnt and bleeding flesh underneath it. The boots on both feet were melted, the hot metal taking his feet with them. All in all, it was obvious that, if he didn't get medical help soon, he would die.
Pluto was about to grab her key when a moan from the burnt man grabbed his attention. "What?"
"No.don't. leave. it." Muttered Syl with great effort. "He'll. return. other. wise."
"You need help! You'll die if I don't take you to your people!" She almost screamed, feeling impotent. She knew he was right, but wasn't going to have him die on her!
"Worth. it." He whispered.
Leaving the Time Key in its place, she moved to his side, kneeling next to him and carefully placing a hand on his left shoulder, careful not to put pressure on it. "Why did you do it? Why did you risk your life to save me?"
"Right. thing. to do." He answered, his breathing becoming more laborious with each word. With an effort, he looked into her eyes. "Don't. cry. for me. I. did. my. job." He then tried to smile, the effort cracking his burnt lips and releasing some blood. "Trust. Sere. We'll. win. And. be. happy." With those last words, he closed his eyes and sighed, entering in a coma.
And Sailor Pluto, Guardian of the Time Gates, the Senshi of Time. wept for him.
* * * *
Wiseman trembled in fury, gritting his teeth in frustration. (How can this be?! A worthless bug foiled me! Intolerable!) He repeated his hands' movements, but there was no use. With the Gates closed and locked with the Time Key, not even his best attempts could open them again. A growl emanated deep from his chest and turned to see the Senshi. During his attempt to seize control of the Gates, the Senshi kept trying to blast their way through the Dark Crystal's shield surrounding Chibi-Usa, with no effect whatsoever besides charging the Crystal even more.
"You." Said Wiseman, drawing the Senshi's attention to him. "You won't stop me. I have waited long enough for this moment to arrive, and no miserable worms will stop me from achieving my goals!"
Without warning a veritable storm of black lightning erupted from the Black Crystal, hitting each and every one of the Senshi. Their screams of pain and agony were music for his ears. However, something nagged him at the back of his mind. Something was wrong with the picture. Taking a closer look, Wiseman observed every detail of the scene.
Yes, there was Serenity's brat, caught by surprise by his lightning strike, as well as the rest of the Senshi and Tuxedo Kamen. All of them were writhing in pain under his assault, unable to strike back. And yes, there was Chibi-Usa, unaffected and still transforming harvested souls into dark power. So, what was wrong? Victory was at hand, however he felt something was missing.
The answer came abruptly and from behind.
Recovering from her ill-attempt to rescue Chibi-Usa, Luna-F remained sprawled when she landed. She couldn't help but feel proud of her friend Serena when she began to slam at the shield surrounding the little girl with all she had. Even more, she was amazed at the amount of power being poured in the attempt by the rest. And yes, even the veritable nursery of roses Tuxedo Kamen was launching as well. But despair quickly filled her when said attempts didn't make a dent on the shield.
(Damn it! What does it take to break that nut's shell??) She thought. Narrowing her eyes to compensate from the glare of the attacks, she watched Wiseman intently. The first thing she noticed was that he was concentrated watching something on that weird crystal ball of his. (Wait a minute. concentrated? That means distracted!) Immediately, a plan began to take shape.
The felinoid was painfully aware that physical, frontal attacks were useless in this kind of battle. She was a great warrior in hand-to-hand melee, but magic was way out of her league. But that didn't mean she was completely useless.
With all the stealth she was capable of, she began to make her way around the platform, hiding behind the pillars when she reached them; not to mention avoiding touching them. Just close proximity caused her to feel as if something was trying to suck the life out of her body. Finally, she reached her objective: a pillar right behind Wiseman. With great care, she unsheathed her swords, and waited. She didn't wait long. When Wiseman began to address the Senshi, she risked a peek behind the pillar. She had to bit her lips to stop the growl that risked coming out when Wiseman began his attack at her friend. Keeping focused, she waited for her chance to strike. And when she saw Wiseman lean forward as if looking for something, she knew her time had come.
Without a noise, Luna-F leaped into the air, right sword straight forward, left sword raised above her head. Snarling with glee, the felinoid noticed that Wiseman hadn't noticed her movements. Focusing, she left inertia and her training take charge.
The trajectory of her jump was perfect. Her aim, exquisite. Without resistance, her first sword pierced Wiseman's torso right down to the hilt. And before her feet touched the ground, she moved her torso slightly to the right, adding more force to the movement of her other sword. The embedded sword retracted a little from Wiseman's torso, but by then it didn't matter. Luna-F's second movement became a decapitating strike.
Wiseman's head rolled to the side, while his body collapsed in a flurry of robes.
The moment Wiseman was decapitated, the attack on the Senshi stopped, causing all of them to drop to the floor, exhausted by the ordeal. At the same time, the shield surrounding Chibi-Usa collapsed, as well as the force keeping her suspended in mid-air.
Panting a little from the exertion, Luna-F watched as the glow in Wiseman's eyes began to subside. Before it was completely gone, she couldn't help but mutter while she sheathed her blades. "Burn in Hell, you bastard."
Walking towards Serena, the felinoid took her communicator out of its compartment. It was slightly charred, but still functional. Opening the screen, she began. "Ensign Luna to Lucky Star. Come in, please."
+ Lucky Star here, come in, Ensign. + Luna-F grinned when the voice of Captain Vardeen answered her.
"Star, Mission Accomplished. Wiseman is dead, and the girl has been rescued. We need EVAC now, and prepare the medical ward. We're all a little banged up here."
+ Acknowledge, Ensign. There is a lot of interference in your area, so teleport is down. We're sending a shuttle to pick everyone up. Good job, everyone. We'll see you when you return. Star, out. +
Closing the communicator, Luna-F sighed and went to Serena's side to wake her up. She was so focused on her friend, and the rest were still trying to recover, that nobody noticed when a black mist emerged from Wiseman's remains and was promptly absorbed by the Black Crystal.
"Hey, wake up sleepy head." Said Luna-F while gently shaking Serena by the shoulder. "Time to wake up." In response Serena only muttered and curled a little more tightly. Sighing, the felinoid tried again. "Come on, Serena. There's still work to do here."
"G'way. Tired." Muttered Serena in her sleep. Sighing, Luna-F tried one more thing, something that always worked on their days at the Academy.
""Ok, then I'm throwing your breakfast down the trash processor. A pity, throwing away the pancakes." THAT got results.
"NO, WAIT! PANCAKES!!! Owwww, my head!" Rubbing her aching temples, Serena took stock of her surroundings, memories quickly returning. Looking at one spot, she addressed Luna-F "Look after the others, I'll be right back." Without waiting for a reply, she rapidly stood up and headed towards the spot Chibi-Usa was lying down.
Kneeling next to the small girl, Serena took her gently in her arms, placing her in her lap. Caressing the girl's cheek with her left hand, she noticed with satisfaction that the sickly yellowish tint on the girl's skin was fading, being replaced with a healthier pink hue.